The EMDR books you cannot live without!!

April 6th, 2018 by Katelyn Baxter-Musser, LCSW

We all known that EMDR has been recognized as a best practice in the treatment of PTSD and an evidence-based practice for both children and adults in helping clients overcome anxiety, depression, addiction and other clinical disorders. There is so much information available on EMDR that it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start! Whether you are new to EMDR or have been in the field for a while here are some of my favorite books on EMDR to help along the way.

Did you know that the 3rd edition of Francine Shapiro’s Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures was released at the end of 2017? Pick it up! This book has everything that made has made its previous editions a staple to EMDR practice plus new and revised protocols and procedures, clinical aids and transcripts. This book is really the nuts and bolts of EMDR therapy and well worth the re-read!

Ever have a client on your case load that is struggling with dissociation and you are at a loss for how to integrate EMDR in their sessions? You NEED to check out Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma and Dissociation (Paulsen, 2009). I am not going to lie this is one of my favorite EMDR books and a staple in my office. Stemming from an Ego State perspective, Paulsen combines illustrations with her explanation of EMDR practice and it really makes it click. I use the illustrations in her book with my clients to bring a different approach and understanding regarding ego states and EMDR. Love this one!

So in my humble opinion if you are working with children (from infants to adolescents) you need to get EMDR and the Art of Psychotherapy with Children 2nd edition (Adler-Tapia and Settle, 2016). This book covers it all! It can be difficult to figure out how to take what you know about EMDR sessions and apply it to children… look no further. From forms and scripted protocols to resourcing ideas if you work with infants, children or adolescents you want this on your shelf.

The shelfs in my office are filled with all sorts of EMDR books! I would say these three are just a few of my favorites! I would love to hear about yours so please feel free to comment below!

Katelyn Baxter-Musser, LCSW received her MSW from Arizona State University and her BA in psychology with a Minor in criminal justice from American University in Washington D.C. Katelyn has been in private practice in Maine since 2015 and prior to that lived in Arizona where she maintained her private practice and was a supervisor for a local mental health agency. Katelyn is a Certified Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapist and has extensive training in working with individuals, couples, and families who have experienced trauma. Katelyn also practices as a mediator and divorce coach. Katelyn takes a solution-focused approach to help clients identify their needs, find their voice and reach their goals.